When and how are air quality burn ban conditions determined?

We follow State Burn Ban Requirements:

We will issue Stage 1 air quality burn bans when weather conditions are predicted to create stagnant air and a build-up of fine particle pollution (PM2.5) that:

  • Exceeds a 24-hour average of 35 micrograms per cubic meter within 48 hours (King and Kitsap counties).
  • Exceeds a 24-hour average of 30 micrograms per cubic meter within 72 hours (Pierce and Snohomish counties).

In some cases when PM2.5 levels are rising rapidly, we may call a Stage 2 air quality burn ban without first calling a Stage 1 air quality burn ban.

Forecast weather conditions play a major role in determining when – or whether – to issue an air quality burn ban. For example, in certain circumstances when pollution levels have risen to the Stage 2 trigger, we may not issue an air quality burn ban if we expect that weather conditions over the next 24 hours will clean out our area’s air pollution.

We also issue these air quality bans based on the air quality conditions in the individual counties and in some cases sub-county areas within our jurisdiction. As a result, one or more counties or areas may have a Stage 1 burn ban in place while another county has advanced to a Stage 2 burn ban. Or one county may have a burn ban in effect while others have no restrictions in place.

The Agency issues air quality forecasts year-round to inform the public of expected conditions and health impacts based on EPA’s Air Quality Index.

Show All Answers

1. What is an air quality burn ban?
2. What’s the difference between a Stage 1 and Stage 2 air quality burn ban?
3. Who can issue an air quality burn ban?
4. Why do you call air quality burn bans?
5. Where do you call air quality burn bans?
6. When and how are air quality burn ban conditions determined?
7. It’s windy outside. Why is there an air quality burn ban?
8. The Air Quality Index (AQI) says air quality is “good or moderate.” Why is there an air quality burn ban?
9. Why does an air quality burn ban apply to the entire county? How can every area in the county have unhealthy air?
10. Why are there so many more air quality burn bans for Pierce and Snohomish counties but not in the major metropolitan areas in King County? Is Seattle air cleaner?
11. Why does Pierce County now have three different air quality burn ban “zones”?
12. Which Pierce county air quality burn ban zone am I in?
13. How can I find out when an air quality burn ban has been issued or cancelled?
14. What should I do if I already have a fire going when an air quality burn ban is called or elevated?
15. How do you know if I’m violating the air quality burn ban?
16. What is the penalty for violating an air quality burn ban?
17. What’s the difference between an air quality and fire safety burn ban?
18. How can I tell if my wood stove or fireplace insert is certified?
19. What if I rely on my wood stove because my primary electric/oil/propane heat is too expensive?
20. What does "adequate source of heat" mean?
21. What if burning wood is the only way I can heat my home?
22. What is the background of air quality burn bans?
23. Didn’t find an answer to your question?